In keeping with Opry tradition, Paisley asked his fellow Opry members to join him in closing with 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken' to round out the proceedings. It was a fitting way to say goodbye to Dickens, who passed away on Jan. 2 at the age of 94. Dickens was the oldest member of the Opry and one of its most beloved members. His memorial service took place at the Opry in Nashville.

Paisley and Dickens had formed a very close friendship over the years, with Dickens appearing in several of Paisley's humorous videos and in skits during his tenure hosting the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood. Paisley remembered his friend via social media on Jan. 3, writing, "Do not mourn Little Jim. Celebrate him. Relive and share the memories. Aspire to be like him. And above all, laugh at the punchlines, the craziness, and the way he so gracefully made this planet a funnier, better, richer place while he was alive. And in doing so, will continue to for years to come."

He got choked up as he paid his last respects to Dickens Thursday, saying, "We'll take it from here, little buddy ... Everyone come back out, and this tradition -- that he began -- will continue with all of us. We owe it to his memory to keep this place alive and going for ... forever."

Vince Gill and Underwood -- who had previously performed 'Go Rest High on That Mountain' together at the service -- returned to the stage along with other Opry stars to join Paisley for the song, in a final musical sendoff for one of country music's elder statesmen and most beloved ambassadors.